The King's Mistress

Chapter 202: Mercy

*Just a trigger warning for this Chapter to come. I did not explicitly mention what it is but there are hints on what it is.*

In the past, when her identity was still not revealed, Sierra feared her relationship with Alistair would never see the light of day. She didn’t mind if they had to remain in secret forever, but it still hurts to think.

Furthermore, it was only a matter of time before they had to return to Drakin. But now Sierra had more concerns. What was going to happen to Cair if she left? Also she could no longer return to Drakin as a Paramount to Alistair, could she?

There was much more to consider now.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. A messenger rushed into the room and knelt before Sierra.

"Miss Sierra! Princess Felicity had been found but she’s... she’s...the soldiers can’t calm her down!" The messenger explained in haste.

"Bring me there at once. Alistair, remain with my father."

Alistair refused, "No, I’ll go with you."

"But-"

"Don’t worry, Sierra, I’ll be alright. Let him go with you," Leon reassured her.

With that, they were off. The Bancroft Family Quarters in the castle was quite a distance from where Princess Felicity was found. According to the messenger, they found the princess’ quarters empty upon arrival.

Using sniffer dogs and search parties, they eventually found Princess Felicity confined to a hidden room in the King’s quarters. Sierra felt as if a pit had formed in her stomach.

As they closed in on the location, she could hear blood-curdling screams coming from the room ahead. Sierra rushed forward immediately. As they closed in on the room, she noticed some men who were partially undressed on their knees with their hands behind their backs.

They kept their heads low while being guarded by Bancroft Family soldiers. Sierra could hear Lady Linette’s voice coming from within the room.

"Felicity... please, let us help. Please," Lady Linette was pleading with her.

A gut-wrenching feeling formed in Sierra’s stomach. She tightened the grip she had on her sword hilt as they came up to the entrance of the room. Sierra stopped in her tracks as she peered in.

Her eyes widened in shock when she saw the state of the room. When she saw the state Felicity was in, she clenched her jaw.

"No..." she whispered beneath her breath, almost refusing to accept what she saw.

Alistair, who was only just a few steps behind lingered at the entrance of the room. He too was in shock by the state the princess was in. Words failed him as he placed his hand on Sierra’s shoulder.

"Stay here, Alistair. I think... I think it would be best if Lady Linette and I handled this on our own." Sierra whispered to him as she touched his hand.

"Alright, I’ll be here if you need me," Alistair whispered back to her before releasing his hand.

Sierra took a step into the room. Lady Linette turned to meet her, the look of anguish on her face said it all.

"Sierra, she’s..." Lady Linette’s lips were trembling, unable to bring herself to say anything.

On the ground, there were two corpses, half-dressed men with their stomachs sliced open. A quick look at the room and Sierra knew exactly what went down. She gritted her teeth as she wished their soldiers had reached earlier. Perhaps the tragedy could’ve been avoided.

But from the scars Felicity seemed to have suffered, it was clear this was not a first-time occurrence.

"Get away from me!" She shrieked while waving a knife in her hands.

Sierra removed the swords she had belted on her waist. She placed them on the ground as she took a few steps forward with her hands in the air.

"Felicity, we’re here to help. I’m here to help," Sierra said as calmly as she could.

The princess was clutching a thin piece of fabric to cover her naked form. She had tear stains on her face. In her right hand, she held onto a sharpened dagger dripping with blood. It was as if she was holding onto it for dear life. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"Please.. please don’t come any nearer," Felicity pleaded as fresh tears streamed down her eyes, blurring her vision.

Sierra clenched her jaw as she got closer to the former princess. As she saw the scars and injuries that covered Felicity’s body with greater clarity, her heart ached. The once bubbly haughty princess had fallen from grace.

All because she loved the wrong man.

Sierra removed her own jacket as she got closer. She was not afraid of the dagger Felicity had in her hands. The former princess shifted on the bed, she moved further back until her back was against the headboard.

"Please... please..." she could no longer form a complete sentence.

She loosened her grip on the dagger. Taking advantage of the moment, Sierra leaped forward. But her sudden movement caused Felicity to panic, she squinted her eyes shut and waved the dagger in her hand, cutting Sierra’s arm with it.

"Sierra!" Alistair called out to her. He wanted to go check on her but Lady Linette stopped him.

"I know you’re worried for Sierra’s safety but you can’t go any closer. Felicity is already distraught," she tried her best to explain in a way he would understand.

Alistair backed down a little, watching carefully as things unfolded. No matter what was going to happen, Sierra’s safety was still his priority.

Sierra was not bothered by the flesh wound on her arm. Her focus was on Felicity.

"Felicity, do you remember who I am?" Sierra asked calmly.

Felicity looked up at her, her mind seemed to be processing Sierra’s question. Taking advantage of the moment of distraction, Sierra swiped the dagger out of Felicity’s hand and threw it elsewhere.

This caused Felicity to shriek once more as she tried to physically attack Sierra instead. Sierra did not give up, she tussled with the former princess while continuously trying to get her to remember the present.

"Felicity, it’s alright. You’re safe now. I’m Sierra! Don’t you remember me?"

Upon hearing her name, Felicity stopped to look up at her once more.

"Sierra?" Felicity called out her name.